Theatre: The Five Best Plays In London

1

The Colour of Justice Tricycle

Enormously potent staged re-enactment of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. It coincides with the news that the policemen involved have escaped with retirement on a full pension.

2

The Street of Crocodiles Queens

Triumphant revival of Theatre de Complicite's surreal, funny and seering plunge into the imagination of Polish-Jewish writer Bruno Schulz, shot dead by the Nazis in 942.

3

The Glory of Living Royal Court at The Ambassadors

Rebecca Gilman's jet black American trailer trash comedy directed with a fluency that heightens the sense of casual shock by Kathryn Hunter.

4

Memory of Water Vaudeville

Alison Steadman pulls off one of the funniest and truest drunk scenes ever in Shelagh Stephenson's fine play about sisters brought back together for their mother's funeral.

5

Copenhagen Cottesloe

Michael Frayn's profound and haunting meditation on science, morality and the mysteries of human motivation.

... AND BEYOND

The Winter's Tale RSC, Stratford

Amazingly rich and complex performance from Antony Sher in Gregory Doran's Romanov-style production.

2

Martin Guerre RSC, Cardiff New Theatre

It's third time lucky for this much-rewritten musical. In Conall Morrison's starkly involving production, it finally emerges as a tighter, magnificent show.

3

Just Not Fair Birmingham Rep

Moving account by Jim Robinson of 8 years' wrongful imprisonment of the Bridgewater Four. Will be performed in rep with Wilde's equivalent prison testament, De Profundis.

4

Martin Yesterday Royal Exchange Manchester

Marianne Elliot directs this sharp new play from cult Canadian dramatist Brad Unidentified Human Remains Fraser.

5

A Month in the Country RSC, Stratford

David Attenborough directs Brian Friel's adaptation of Turgenev's portrait of all-consuming desire.